County benefits staff told the Finance Committee Sept. 3 that Health Alliance Medicare Advantage plans will cease to be offered starting Jan. 1, and six retirees enrolled in those plans have been notified with guidance and supplement plan quotes.

Benefits staff said they mailed letters offering Medicare supplement quotes through Blue Cross Blue Shield and asked retirees to contact the office to discuss options. "The 6 retirees that are on those plans, we did send out letters with quotes for Medicare Supplement Plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield and to have them reach out to us," the benefits staff said.

The committee also received preliminary renewal figures for the county's group plans. The medical renewal returned an initial increase of 29.3 percent; the staff member noted that last year early renewal projections were higher but the final negotiated change was reduced to 4.86 percent after plan adjustments. Staff reported eight high-claim cases affecting the renewal, with claim amounts ranging from about $52,000 to $439,000; the individual tied to the $439,000 claim was no longer enrolled, a staff member said.

Benefits staff said they have solicited bids from other carriers to compare plan options and to use competitive quotes to negotiate further rate relief with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Dental and vision rates carry guarantees through 2027, and life insurance also has a rate guarantee to 2027, the staff said.

Open enrollment planning: staff proposed holding an open-enrollment benefits fair the week of Nov. 3 for two days to assist employees; Amanda and Jill will coordinate dates and logistics.

No committee action was taken Sept. 3; staff said they will return with final renewal figures and any negotiated rate relief for committee review.